Raw honey is naturally antibacterial and moisturizing, and finely ground almonds help to moisturize your skin with natural oils. Sweet almond oil contains Vitamins A and B and wild orange essential oil is uplifting to the spirit.

Sound good? It does to me.

Grab all of my best spring skin tips over on my Spring Skin 101 guide here.

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This sweet smoothie is full of fresh, natural ingredients. Instead of using a processed protein powder, I’ve used raw cashews as the protein source. You don’t need a fancy protein powder to make your smoothie each day, try using raw nuts or seeds occasionally, or if you’re in a pinch.

This recipe calls for a dried vanilla pod; if you’ve haven’t tried vanilla seeds you’ll notice the difference, especially if you’re a vanilla lover like I am. A dash of organic vanilla extract will work too, but be careful not to overdo it or it can become bitter. I also love organic vanilla powder, which is dried vanilla seeds, ground.

For an extra creamy consistency, soak the raw cashews overnight. This will allow the nuts to sprout, and you’ll have the added benefits of live enzymes. Adding chia seeds to non-diary milk at least one hour prior to blending will create a creamy consistency too. Chia expands in liquid, as you’ll discover.

Preparation
1) Soak raw cashews in filtered water overnight. This will spout the cashews to activate their enzymes, and create the perfect consistency for a creamy drink.
2) If time allows, soak your chia seeds in the coconut milk or water for one hour to allow them to swell and also create a creamy texture.
3) Add the remainder of the ingredients to the liquid of your choice and blend until smooth.
This recipe serves 2

]]>http://www.hollithompson.com/pineapple-upsidedown-cake-smoothie/feed/0Spring Skincare 101http://www.hollithompson.com/spring-skincare-101/
http://www.hollithompson.com/spring-skincare-101/#commentsSun, 29 Mar 2015 11:48:26 +0000http://www.hollithompson.com/?p=8630 The end of winter can mean dry and scaly skin, isn’t it time for you to go into action? Spring is here, and summer’s just around the corner. Read...

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The end of winter can mean dry and scaly skin, isn’t it time for you to go into action? Spring is here, and summer’s just around the corner.
Read on for some easy, natural ways to get sleek skin in time for summer.

Your bodyDry brushing is an excellent way to keep your skin soft and smooth. This ancient exfoliation method really works; I have friends and clients thanking me all the time for turning them on to this easy, daily luxury.

Dry brushing gently removes dead skin cells, and helps to stimulate your circulation, as well as support the lymphatic system in removing toxins. You need a natural bristle dry brush and a few minutes twice a day, for best results.

Your face
Your face will benefit from a little spring clean as well. Try using a natural brush, just go for the small, soft one designed for this purpose, or an organic cotton washcloth works wonders too.
Then, go all the way with an occasional DIY scrub. Try this Wild Orange Facial Scrub for a fresh, citrus scent.
Eat your greens
Getting your DLG’s (dark leafy greens) is one of the best ways to add a stunning glow to your skin. Dark leafy greens are loaded with vitamins and phytonutrients, power-players that will boost your immunity and your skin’s ability to thrive.

If you’ve gotten out of the habit of carrying a water bottle with you during the winter, make sure you have one now, no matter where you are. At home, fill a pretty pitcher in the mornings and add your favorite flavor. Some of my personal favorites are cucumber, mint, and fresh lemons. Sip this throughout the day, your skin will thank you.

Happy spring!
Now tell me, what are YOU doing to get springtime ready?

]]>Spring is here, it’s time to make tweaks and changes to your Nutritional Style.

The winter months may have forced you to stray from your cool morning smoothies (that and a whole lot more!). So,consider bringing them back now that spring has arrived. If you’re feeling short on inspiration, keep on reading. I’ve outlined my favorite spring smoothie ingredients for you here, and some must-have guides that will create an expert out of you this week!

Enter spring produce…
Add some new farmers market favorites to your smoothies as they come available. Here are some of my early favorites:

Beets : Adding a 1/2 raw beet to a smoothie along with a sweet fruit or your favorite greens will really enrich the flavor, and nutrients.

Spinach : Tender green spinach tends to “disappear” in a smoothie, it doesn’t contribute a lot of flavor but does add lots of minerals. Keep a big batch of organic baby spinach on hand at all times to throw into almost any smoothie for extra nutrition points. Try out my Banana, Pineapple, Spinach, and Coconut smoothie to see how yummy a handful of this Superfoods powerhouse can be.

Mint : Mint aids in digestion, and its prolific behavior in the garden is a benefit if you use if for juicing or smoothies. Try pairing it with spring strawberries when they arrive, or use mint for a spring twist to this Candycane Smoothie.

For a “smoothie starter,” opt for these super-healthy liquids to get your smoothie blended:

Once you’ve selected your spring produce and a healthy base it’s time to get creative with superfoods. Try pairing smoothie staples, like protein powder, with your favorite, nutritious selection. Here are some of mine:

Cinnamon

(especially yummy with vanilla, apricot, and apples)

Raw Cashews(soak them over night for a creamy option)

Hemp seeds

Chia seeds

Matcha powder

Cacao nibs or cacao powder

Flaxseed (nutty and tasty, these area staple for me)

Ready for more?

Here’s the important part. Select a healthy fat to add to your morning smoothies. Healthy fats contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support the thyroid, curb cravings, balance your hormones, and more. My picks:

]]>http://www.hollithompson.com/spring-smoothie-guide/feed/4Spring Smoothie Rounduphttp://www.hollithompson.com/spring-smoothie-roundup/
http://www.hollithompson.com/spring-smoothie-roundup/#commentsSun, 22 Mar 2015 00:40:04 +0000http://www.hollithompson.com/?p=8606 Now that spring is (finally!) here, it’s time to start using all the sweet seasonal produce to get creative with your morning smoothies and juices again. I know that...

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Now that spring is (finally!) here, it’s time to start using all the sweet seasonal produce to get creative with your morning smoothies and juices again. I know that it’s easy to feel short on inspiration after so many long, cold months, so I’ve put together a roundup of my personal favorites to help get you started.

I love experimenting and I’ve come up with some delicious creations over the years. I’ll bet if you use some of these as a starting point that you’ll soon be creating some masterpieces of your own.

]]>http://www.hollithompson.com/spring-smoothie-roundup/feed/1Video: DIY Hemp Milkhttp://www.hollithompson.com/video-diy-hemp-milk/
http://www.hollithompson.com/video-diy-hemp-milk/#commentsThu, 19 Mar 2015 07:18:26 +0000http://www.hollithompson.com/?p=8516 From morning smoothies, to creative desserts, to topping cereals, I make sure to keep a DIY non-dairy milk on hand…always. One of the easiest and healthiest choices is hemp milk. Tiny hemp seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, containing all of the amino acids your body needs in a day; especially useful for you Flexible Vegetarians and Modern Vegans out there. Protein? Check. This recipe is beyond simple, and highly affordable too, especially for you moms buying the stuff in bulk. I shared my simple method with The Daily Meal the other day. Watch me in action below. Here are some fabulous ways to use YOUR DIY milk: Chia seed breakfast pudding Gluten free DIY granola Goddess Shake Chocolate-Avocado Smoothie

]]>http://www.hollithompson.com/video-diy-hemp-milk/feed/1Green Foods Rounduphttp://www.hollithompson.com/green-foods-roundup/
http://www.hollithompson.com/green-foods-roundup/#commentsSun, 15 Mar 2015 06:30:12 +0000http://www.hollithompson.com/?p=8575Nothing says theme party like St. Patrick’s Day, right? If you’re a mom, you’ve been asked year after year to provide green food to your child’s school, and while green...

If you’re a mom, you’ve been asked year after year to provide green food to your child’s school, and while green icing cupcakes are de rigueur, some mom’s I know have gotten creative, and healthy, for their own party or the kids.

Take advantage of the theme and fill pitchers with fruit and greens smoothies for them, and have a green-tini for you!

]]>http://www.hollithompson.com/green-foods-roundup/feed/0Quinoa, Kale and Garlic Stir Fryhttp://www.hollithompson.com/quinoa-kale-and-garlic-stir-fry/
http://www.hollithompson.com/quinoa-kale-and-garlic-stir-fry/#commentsSun, 15 Mar 2015 06:24:49 +0000http://www.hollithompson.com/?p=8573 Quinoa is a mainstay in my diet, and my home. The other day I was craving stir fried garlic and onion, an odd comment for sure but perhaps indicative...

The other day I was craving stir fried garlic and onion, an odd comment for sure but perhaps indicative of low energy that day, and feeling like I might be getting sick. Garlic and onion contain anti-viral properties and can strengthen your immunity, helping to ward off colds and flu.
I hope you enjoy this stir-fry version of quinoa, boasting alliums and powerful phytonutrients from kale. Quinoa is a balanced protein, so I consider this a one-stop meal.

Preparation
1) Prepare quinoa according to basic package directions
2) Pre-heat large fry or stir-fry pan and add coconut oil
3) Add onion to pan and sautee until almost cooked through, add garlic to pan and sautee until both are cooked
4) Add cooked quinoa and stir, add grated ginger and stir, add handfuls of baby kale and stir until kale is wilted.
5) When vegetables and quinoa are blended, finish with tamari or aminos to taste, and remove from stove to cool slightly. Drizzle with sesame oil and gently combine.
6) Serve warm

]]>http://www.hollithompson.com/quinoa-kale-and-garlic-stir-fry/feed/2Video: Red Pepper Round Up, and how to slice onehttp://www.hollithompson.com/video-slice-pepper/
http://www.hollithompson.com/video-slice-pepper/#commentsFri, 06 Mar 2015 00:34:01 +0000http://www.hollithompson.com/?p=8520I love using a fresh bell pepper in soups, stir fries, and to dip in my favorite healthy hummus. I struggled for years, however, figuring out the most efficient way to slice them. It must be a common problem, because The Daily Meal just recently asked me to demonstrate my trick to simple slicing with their audience. Get that hummus ready, this video (and the gorgeous pepper it features) is going to have you reaching for the cutting board. And here are some of my favorite recipes to use those red peppers in! “Raw” Zucchini Hummus Farro and Lentil Salad Texas Caviar

]]>I love using a fresh bell pepper in soups, stir fries, and to dip in my favorite healthy hummus. I struggled for years, however, figuring out the most efficient way to slice them.

It must be a common problem, because The Daily Meal just recently asked me to demonstrate my trick to simple slicing with their audience. Get that hummus ready, this video (and the gorgeous pepper it features) is going to have you reaching for the cutting board.

]]>http://www.hollithompson.com/video-slice-pepper/feed/0In My…Bean Drawerhttp://www.hollithompson.com/bean-drawer/
http://www.hollithompson.com/bean-drawer/#commentsFri, 06 Mar 2015 00:27:59 +0000http://www.hollithompson.com/?p=8549Beans are an excellent source of plant based protein, and contain essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. They’re also high in fiber, and help cleanse your colon as you digest...

]]>Beans are an excellent source of plant based protein, and contain essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.

They’re also high in fiber, and help cleanse your colon as you digest them. And beans are an alkaline food, helping to balance out a diet that’s rich in animal proteins, alcohol, and coffee.

They can also be economical if you take a few minutes to prepare them ahead.
But beans are not for everyone.

Beans can produce gas and bloating, and even when you soak them before cooking, (an easy technique to neutralize the gassy effect) many of my clients still find that beans are not their Nutritional Style.

Sometimes difficult to digest, beans are a carbohydrate and can affect your blood sugar. For some people beans can create bloat and water retention, and even make it hard to lose weight. If you are struggling with sugar issues, or find it difficult to lose weight, you might want to avoid beans for two weeks and see how you feel.

If you do want to eat your beans, and you know that they suit your Nutritional Style, try to avoid pre-cooked, canned beans that line your grocery store shelves. These beans are often non-organic, and the canning process adds preservatives and toxins.

Preparing beans properly, by soaking them over night and then cooking in a slow cooker or simmering on the stove is cheaper and much tastier. Get creative, and experiment with various types of beans and legumes.

These are the staples I always keep in my bean cupboard, ready to go whenever my family is ready for a hearty meal.

Adzuki beans are small and red in appearance and known for being high in fiber and virtually fat free. They contain magnesium, potassium, and other rich minerals. These beans are perfect for adding to any salad or soup. Soak dried adzuki beans for at least 8 hours (overnight is easiest).

Fava beans are actually a pea, and native to Northern Africa. A staple in the Mediterranean diet, fava beans are delicious steamed and drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper, added to a risotto or pasta, or sauteed to make the most of their creamy texture.

Red Kidney beans offer high amounts of the trace mineral molybdenum, an enzyme that helps to detoxify your body of sulfites. They’re also an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, helping to sweep your colon clean. Cooked kidney beans create an easy dip or spread by blending them with garlic, spices and a little bit of olive oil.

Cannellini beans are popular in Italian cuisine, and widely used in Pasta e Fagioli soup. (that was my Dad’s favorite) Creamy in flavor, they are thin skinned and seem therefore to digest more easily than other tougher skinned beans. They’re also delicious with kale or chard in a soup stock with garlic, or as a stir fry with DLG’s (dark leafy greens) too. Or check out this delicious soup from our last photo shoot. http://www.hollithompson.com/tomato-white-bean-coconut-soup/

Chickpeas High levels of calcium and magnesium make chickpeas beneficial for your bones. The main ingredient in traditional hummus, chickpeas are a protein-packed source of fiber too. Enjoy some fresh hummus and give it a try. Or mix up this delicious kale and chickpea salad from guest blogger, Elizabeth Rider. http://www.hollithompson.com/guest-blogger-elizabeth-riders-mediterranean-kale-salad/

So, tell me. Are beans your Nutritional Style? Do they sustain your energy and allow you to power through your day, or do you bloat you after eating a dish?